The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-29
THE CHURCH AND THE KNIGHTS.

Argument of Cardinal Gibbons in Favor of
the Great Labor Organization.
ROME March 23-The text of Cardinal Glib
kons's report the Knights of Labor, as pub
lshed in the Moniteur de Rome, shows that
several additions have been made to the report
as originally published. Referring to the objec
tions urged against the organization, the Card-
nal says:
1T is objected that in this kind of organiza
lions Catholics mix with Professionals to the peril
of their faith. Amongst a mixed people like
Oure separation of religions in civil affairs is not
possible. To suppose that the faith of Catholics
suffers shows ignorance of the Catholic work
men of America, who regard the church as their
mother. They are intelligent, instructed, de-
voted, and ready to give their blood as they give
their hard learned gains for her support and pro-
lection"
To the question whether it would not be bet
priests under the direct influence of religion. the
Cardinal frankly replies that he thinks it neither
possible nor necessary. I'm our countries" ne
says, "we have abundant means of making
Catholics good without going SO far" 1t being
objected that the liberty of the organization ex-
poses Catholics to deadly influences and associ-
atas more dangerous than even Atheists, Com
munists and Anarchists. the Cardinal said it was
true, but that proof of faith would not try
American Catholics. To such influences they
were exposed every day, and they knew them
we'll and despised them. The leaders of the
Knights of Labor related how these VIC
lent, aggressive elements strove to gain
authority in their councils or insinu-
ate poison into the principles of the
association, and also told of the determination
with which they were repealed. Danger would
arise from GOODNESS between the church and
her children which nothing would more surely
occasion than inprudent COMBINATIONS.
Special stress being laid upon the violence, even
TO the shedding of blood, which has character
lied several strikes inaugurated by working
mems associations. the Cardinal SAYS: II have
three things 10 remark; first, strikes are not the
invention of the Knights, but a universal per-
petual means by which workingmen protest
against what is unjust and demand their rights;
second in such struggle of the mutitudes of the
poor against hard, obstinate monopoly wrath
and violence often as inevitable as they are
regrettahle: third the laws and the principal au-
thorites of the Knights. SO far from eneourag-
ing violence or occasions for violence, exercise a
powerful preventive influence, seeking to keep
strikes within the limits of legitimate action
An attentive examination into the violent strug-
giles betwe en- labor and capital has convinced me
of the injustice of attributng violence to the
knights. Their principal authorities have
proved the fact that it is unreasonable to at
tribute violence to the KNIGHTS to attribute to
the church the folies and crimes of her children,
against which she protests"
This thought is admirably developed by the
Cardinal. He says the part of Christian
prudence is TO attempt TO bind the hearts of the
multitude with ties of love for the purpose of
controlling them by the principles of faith,
justice and charity; and to recognize the truth
and justice of their cause. Removed from what
is false and criminal. these will converge in a
legitimate peaceable benefcient struggle that
which, by repr,sive severity, might become for
the masses of our people. volcanic abyss sim
liar to that which society fears and which the
church denlores in Europe. The Cardinal in
ssts strongly and at length this point
He then refers to the aspect of our country;
that Of popular power regulated by love of order;
respect for religion. obedience to the laws; not
a democracy of license and violence, but a true
democracy which seeks general prosperity by
the ways of sound principles and good social
order. Religion is necessary to preserve so de-
sirable a state of affairs. Among the church's
glorious titles none gives her such influence as
that Of the Friend of the People" in our dem
ocratic nation That is the title which gains for
the Catholic Church not alone the devotion OF
millions of her children but the respect and ad
miration OF all Of citizens, whatever
their religious beliefs. He recognized that the
great question of the future is not a question oil
war, commerce or finance, but a social question
touching the amelioration of the condition OF
the popular masses especially workingmen.
therefore 1t is OF sovereign Importance that the
Schurch he found always firmly ranged on the
side of humanity and justice toward the multi
tudes composing the body of the human family
The conditions of the lower classes at presen,
cannot and should not continue.